R.O.D. -The TV-

Read or Die -The TV-

Also Known As: Read or Dream

Genre: Action/Drama

Format: 26 Episodes

Allegiance: Aniplex/J.C. Staff/Studio Orphee

Director: Masunari Koji

Vintage: 2003-2004

Intelligence Agency Report by: Kuzu Ryu Sen

Sumiregawa Nenene was once one of the most promising young writers in Japan, but due to various reasons, has not written a new novel in several years. However, despite her inactivity, she has remained popular enough that a movie adaptation of her fourth novel is in production and slated for international release. On a trip to Hong Kong to promote this film, terrorists, seeking to put a halt to her movie, target Nenene. In response, the publishing company places her security in the hands of Michelle Cheung, Maggie Mui, and Anita King: The Three Sisters Detective Agency.

Field Agent Report by: Kuzu Ryu Sen

Plot
Characters
Impact
Visual
Audio

8.50
9.00
9.50
8.00
9.25

Overall

8.75

(not an average)

The original R.O.D. was highly touted for its high-flying action, unique concept, and high level of sensory appeal, but was hampered plot and development-wise by it's short running time. As such, R.O.D. -The TV- was expected to be nearly flawless, since the only problem in the original R.O.D. is now eliminated. For the most part, R.O.D. -The TV- lives up to these lofty expectations, but where simplicity was the Achilles-R.O.D., complexity is ironically the Achilles-R.O.D. -The TV-.

Fans of R.O.D. will notice one striking change right off the bat: the pacing. Since the amount of screen time given was increased eight-fold, there are no longer fight sequences every five minutes. In fact, the opening ten-odd episodes are a collection of polar opposites. One episode will be dedicated solely to Nenene's domestic situation; the next will feature the Three Sisters on an action-packed mission of some variety. It's not episodic in nature in that there is continuity, but the difference in tone and mood makes it feel like two different anime with the same cast. While some will find this boring, others (such as myself) will see how this format allows for the cast to gain a measure of depth that they could not have otherwise.

However, after this initial stretch, the plot kicks into overdrive and then some. The last half of the show is gripping, exciting, and suspenseful, not to mention a smorgasbord of potential trivia questions. The already established characters gain even more depth as they're forced into complex situations, aided by the actions of a cunning and meticulous villain. Alliances are strained, characters separated, apparent betrayal is rampant, and all of it sculpts fantastic characterization. Unfortunately, all these twists, turns, and betrayals, while excellent for characterization, eventually turn the plot into a bit of a convoluted mess. The basics are simple enough (but not overly so) to follow without too much difficulty, but there are enough plot holes and loose ends to confuse the viewer, especially given the fantasy/sci-fi nature of the show. In the end, the ambition of the producers and writers backfires to some degree, as the viewer is inundated with too many twists, events, factions and external references.

From an audio/visual standpoint, R.O.D. -The TV- seems to have gotten lazy. Iwasaki Taku has created another great OST, but half of the noticeable pieces actually used in the show are from the R.O.D. OVA. The animation ranges from amazing in terms of both choreography and detail to just sloppy. Characters suddenly will degenerate into coloured amoebae; such is the disparity between good and bad. Still, for all this sloppiness and laziness, R.O.D. -The TV- is still quite a treat for the senses, particularly the two absolutely fantastic ending themes.

The bottom line to R.O.D. -The TV- is that it has an unpolished feel to it. Quite a few elements feel as if they are just centimeters away from perfection. There is also the feel that the producers tried to overcompensate for the lack of depth in the OVA. In the end, is R.O.D. -The TV- on the same level as R.O.D.? No. Is it still enjoyable? Heck yes.

Field Agent Report by: Drake

Plot
Characters
Impact
Visual
Audio

8.75
8.50
9.00
8.00
8.00

Overall

8.25

(not an average)

I have very mixed feelings about R.O.D. –The TV-. This is partially because its predecessor, the R.O.D. OVA, was so amazing. Don’t get me wrong; the TV series is very good, but it was heavily lacking in a few elements found in the OVA, such as non-stop, fast-paced fight scenes and a rapidly moving plot. However, the TV series did inherit the very unique and distinct premise of the OVA. That factor, along with a new focus in the TV series, made for great viewing.

Unlike the OVA, R.O.D. –The TV- takes a step back from the fast-paced fights to give more attention to the plot and characters. The first ten episodes or so go back and forth from domestic affairs of the household to the three sisters out on missions. I must stress here, however, that this shifting focus does not make for an episodic feel, but rather that these seemingly random episodes are all interconnected. Along with slowly pushing the plot forward, they work toward developing the characters. We get to see them in very different situations, from cooking to fighting.

Until about the halfway mark, a main interest of mine in R.O.D. –The TV- was just how strong the connection was between the OVA and the series. I’m happy to report I was not disappointed in the slightest. Virtually everything and everyone from the OVA returns and is expanded on beyond my expectations; even a bookstore owner who had about two minutes of screen time in the OVA returns in a significant capacity. Every protagonist returns, but not all of them return in the same role. Some of the returnees come back as antagonists instead. I must say that this change was great, as it provides a wealth of character and plot development for all parties concerned.

While the plot and characters are given the bulk of the attention in the series, the sensory aspects fall slightly short of the mark. Iwasaki Taku returns with a great soundtrack, but most of the notable songs are all recycled from the OVA. From a visual standpoint, the series was littered with some inconsistencies in character appearance, some either weren’t fully drawn or just looked different from their original designs. However, despite these noticeable art flaws, they really don’t subtract that much from the overall feel of the series.

Although the creators didn’t follow the exact same formula as the OVA, they really don’t disappoint here. The series was great on its own merits, and not because it carried the name of a phenomenal anime. Yes, I believe that the OVA is much better, but the series does not fall far behind in greatness and is still definitely worth watching.